UFDs: Lemma Implications Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a lemma regarding Unique Factorization Domains (UFDs) and their relationship with irreducibility in polynomial rings. It establishes that if a polynomial f(x) is irreducible in the polynomial ring D[x], it remains irreducible in the field of quotients F[x]. Furthermore, it clarifies that irreducibility in D[x] corresponds to irreducibility in D and includes nonconstant primitive polynomials irreducible in F. The conversation also confirms that a nonconstant polynomial f(x) in D[x] can be factored into lower degree polynomials in D[x] if and only if it can be factored in F[x], reinforcing the lemma's assertions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Unique Factorization Domains (UFDs)
  • Knowledge of polynomial rings, specifically D[x] and F[x]
  • Familiarity with the concept of irreducibility in algebra
  • Basic principles of field theory and quotients
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Unique Factorization Domains (UFDs) in depth
  • Learn about irreducibility criteria in polynomial rings
  • Explore the relationship between D[x] and F[x] in greater detail
  • Investigate corollaries related to polynomial factorization in algebra
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Mathematics students, algebra enthusiasts, and researchers focusing on abstract algebra, particularly those studying polynomial theory and Unique Factorization Domains.

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I'm currently reading a textbook on algebra, and one of the lemmas is the following:

Let D be a UFD and let F be the field of quotients of D. Let f(x) in D[x] where degree(f(x)) > 0.
If f(x) is irreducible in D[x], then f(x) is also irreducible in F[x].
Also, if f(x) is primitive in D[x] and irreducible in F[x], then f(x) is irreducible in D[x].

It then says that this lemma shows that the irreducibles in D[x] are precisely the irreducibles in D, together with the nonconstant primitive polynomials that are irreducible in F.

Can someone explain how the lemma implies this, in particular it makes no mention of the irreducibles of D.
 
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If b is an irreducible element in D, how can it possibly factor in D[x]? Well, it will be of the form b=f(x)g(x). Since b is degree 0, each of f(x) and g(x) must be of degree zero, i.e. must be in D itself. But then you've factored b which is impossible.
 
I see. I've got another question. As a corollary to the above it states (using the same notation): For a nonconstant f(x) in D[x], f(x) can be factored into two polynomials of lower degree r and s in D[x] iff f(x) can be factored into two polynomials of lower degree r and s in F[x].

Since this is an iff statement, negating both sides of the iff statement is also true, this gives f(x) is irreducible in D[x] iff it is irreducible in F[x]. Is that correct? Seems strange because it's a stronger statement than the 3rd line of the original lemma.
 

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